St. Maria Goretti students collect items for animal shelter

Students from St. Maria Goretti High School’s PAWS, or People for Animal Welfare Society, service club, recently collected a large amount of items for the Humane Society of Washington County.

On June 21, Club President Sarah Ganassa presented the items to the shelter.

Recently graduated, Sarah was enthusiastic about PAWS, St. Maria Goretti and her fellow club members.

“This was a schoolwide collection and everyone, including the teachers and staff, participated,” Sarah said. “I’m really glad they had a chance to get together as a community. Goretti is about service and this club helped with service to the community in another way.”

Students designed and created posters and handouts promoting the collection of needed animal-related items. Large collection bins were set up in the foyer of the school. The result was a car full of blankets, beds, food, toys, litter and treats for the animals.

“It is obvious the students at St. Maria Goretti really worked hard on this project,” said Paul Miller, executive director of the animal shelter.